Parasound Zphono XRM Phono Preamplifier - MM and MC

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Simple yet super capable phono pre from Parasound.

Featuring facilities for both MC and MM, and part of their unique Z series of components. (This model is no to be confused with the inferior standard X-Phono)

Tested and working as it should, super clean with little signs of use.

From an Analog Planet review (Michael Fremer), March 2020:
"Parasound has so aggressively priced this, and it offers so much sonic performance for the money, finding a better MM-only phono preamp for around the same money it might be difficult! (as would finding a similarly priced phono preamp with such detailed and well-measuring specifications)."

More from Parasound:
• Dual inputs for two turntables (1 MM & 1 MC)
• Front panel input select switch
• Front panel mono/stereo mode switch
• Front panel rumble filter switch
• Balanced and unbalanced outputs
• Variable MC impedance adjustment of 50-1050 ohms
• MM Gain options of 40 dB or 50 dB unbalanced (46 dB/56 dB balanced)
• MC Gain options of 50 dB or 60 dB unbalanced (56 dB/66 dB balanced)
• RIAA accurate to within 0.2 dB
• Ultra-low distortion (<0.02% THD)
• Ultra high-speed, low-noise opamps
• Audiophile grade resistors and capacitors
• Gold-plated RCA input and output jacks
• Unique half-rack width chassis; 1 rack space high

*Please see our last photos for specs plus a stock photo from Parasound showing off the internals.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects 

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects 

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Base Series PK14 Power Cord

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.